Penn State football suffered a 30-24 loss to Oregon on Saturday night in the annual White Out game at Beaver Stadium.

Despite the ongoing stadium renovations, the game was only twelve fans away from being the highest-attended in Beaver Stadium history, as 111,019 spectators witnessed this double-overtime thriller.

The number, however, was enough for the most attended White Out game in Penn State history. Despite a negative outcome, the energy was palpable in a game most fans won’t forget for a long time.

Some of the 111,000 fans in attendance were some of our newly minted freshmen staffers. We asked them to share how their first White Out experience went.

Peter Williams

My first White Out in the student section was a very memorable experience. While I attended last December’s playoff White Out game, this game was much more exhilarating. The past three games were not as packed, so I was not expecting it to be as crazy a process as it was to get in over an hour and a half before the game actually started. Once I finally sat down, though, I had an incredible night.

The weather was perfect and the fiery orange sunset right before kickoff was an elite way to start off the night. The cool air made the compact environment very comfortable. School spirit, like what I saw at the White Out game, is exactly why I decided on Penn State.

Looking around the stadium at over a hundred thousand other fans all wearing white in support of Penn State provided a strong sense of community that I love being a part of.

Christian Gresko

The White Out is something that you see nonstop on the internet, but really never understand. Everyone from Knoxville to Eugene argues why they have the best college football atmosphere. As a credentialed photographer, there were a few times, especially during overtime, when I was shaking trying to record a video on my phone.

It is truly one of the greatest showings of community I’ve seen. Everyone is working together to create an unrivaled atmosphere.

Everything about the day didn’t feel real. The second I left my dorm in the morning, I could feel it in the air. As a kid who has always wanted to go to Penn State and always watched the White Out on TV, I still couldn’t have imagined the magic of gameday in person.

Aside from how it ended, that was one of the most memorable days of my life. I am so grateful I was able to be on the field for the game, and it’s something I want to tell my future family about.

Karlee Feger

White Out was an incredible experience! It was unlike any atmosphere I’ve ever been a part of. The crowd, the anticipation, and the tradition made it such an exciting event. Seeing 111,000 people in a sea of white and 40,000 shakers in the air was absolutely amazing.

Despite the outcome, College GameDay and the Penn State energy made it an unforgettable first White Out.

Brian Kriley

My first White Out experience was certainly one I won’t soon forget. It was a surreal experience and unlike anything else I’ve ever been a part of.

The vibe around campus was awesome the entire week leading up to the game. I got into the stadium right as the doors opened, so I got really great seats, which added to the experience. I had really high expectations going into the game, and they were met immediately. The White Out game is unlike anything else in sports and is one of the many special things about Penn State.

Taylor McDonald

My first Penn State White Out was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Despite the unfortunate loss, I made a boatload of memories throughout the day.

I started the day doing media for Onward State at ESPN College Gameday. That included getting content and even making fun TikToks with the Nittany Lion and Katie Feeney. After that, we headed over to the parents’ tailgates, where some of the players hung out with their families until they had to be at the facility at a certain time. It was so fun seeing everyone and regrouping before the game.

The walk-in show started around 5:30, and I got to watch the amazing Lionettes perform along with the cheerleaders and Blue Band before seeing my boyfriend as the players walked in.

That time of the game is always my favorite.

The White Out started quite slow but progressed into one of the most exciting games I’ve ever experienced. Going into double overtime, the stadium energy went crazy. Even though we had a tough loss, the experience was unmatched and I can’t wait for next year!

We Are!!